Collective bargaining

In a move towards more widespread collective bargaining, the ERA 2025 will establish a national negotiating body for school support staff and Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) for those working in adult social care in England.

The old School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) was abolished in 2010 following the election of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. The new SSSNB is to be established in England only via an amendment to the Education Act 2002. It is intended that the body will bring together Unions, employers, and a government representative to negotiate on pay and terms and conditions as well as to advise on training and career progression. Following consultation, further regulations will define what constitutes ‘support staff’. The regulations will also set out the remit of the SSSNB, which will not be able to alter existing terms and conditions in ways that would be detrimental to workers.

New provisions will enable the Secretary of State to establish the process for FPAs for the adult social care sector in England, and for Scottish and Welsh Minsters to do so for both adult and children’s social care workers in those home nations. This will be done through secondary legislation following engagement with the sector.

The government consultation on the FPA process in the adult social care sector for England closed on 16 January 2026. The Government published its response on 16 July 2026 confirming its plans to establish a collective bargaining framework in the social care sector. Regulations are expected to establish the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body (ASCNB) in October 2026.  

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

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